Souderton Area SD advances first reading to formalize 'committee of the whole' for committee meetings

Doctor Hay presented a first reading of proposed revisions to Policy 005 that would formalize holding committee meetings as a Committee of the Whole so all board members have equal opportunity to participate. "The revised policy will allow the board to function as a committee of the whole ensuring all members have equal voice at regular committee meetings," Doctor Hay said.

Board members asked targeted clarifying changes: updating organizational-meeting language (replace “past president” with temporary president where appropriate), making explicit whether ad hoc committees should include community members, and identifying which other policies are entangled and require follow-up edits. Doctor Hay said administration will review similar language in other districts and prepare edits in advance of the next review cycle.

Members and members of the public also requested clearer wording in the document and improved mobile display of board materials; administration agreed to revise language and to consult the web developer about mobile readability. The chair confirmed the document will return for a second reading on the 18th, with any recommended edits provided to the board in advance.

The revisions do not represent a final policy change; they are currently at first reading. The board did not take a formal vote at this meeting. The next procedural step is a second reading of Policy 005 at the next scheduled committee meeting.